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The Indus river is one of the most important waterways in all of South Asia, granting its name to the Indian peninsula as a whole. Most of the river flows southward through Pakistan, bisecting the country neatly, and a small portion passes through Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir. The source of the river is found in the highlands of Tibet. Some of the earliest known urban settlements were supported in the Indus region, all of them part of what has come to be known as the Indus Valley Civilization. Because the river continued to be a center of historical importance well into the colonial period, many historically significant sites well worth visiting dot the river's course. Due to the area's present-day political instability, it's important for travelers to check for advisories before setting out to explore.

Moenjodaro

Moenjodaro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. It is one of the best-preserved archaeological remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization, a culture as ancient as that of Egypt and Mesopotamia. Abandoned in pre-Christian times for reasons unknown, the site was not rediscovered until 1922. The city is built entirely of unbaked brick laid out in strict, orderly patterns, evidence of advanced urban planning. The excavated parts of the city are accessible to visitors, and there is a small museum.

Harappa

Harappa is the second largest site of the Indus Valley Civilization to be rediscovered in modern times. It is not nearly as well-preserved as Moenjodaro, however, due in part to the British colonial government plundering the site for bricks to build a nearby railway. There is, however, a small museum in town open to visitors.

Thatta

Thatta is a small town a short distance to the east of Karachi. Its ancient cemetery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is also the site of the famed Shah Jahan mosque with its 93 blue and white domes. Thatta flourished as a center of Islamic culture from the 14th to the 18th centuries. The grand tombs and monuments filling the necropolis encompass several distinct architectural styles and provide a visual chronicle of the various cultural influences of the region.

Taxila

Taxila was once a center of Buddhist learning and an important trade center on the Silk Road. Lonely Planet names it a "must-see trip from Islamabad" and UNESCO lists it as a World Heritage Site. Dozens of archaeological sites dot the area, spanning from the fifth century B.C. to the second century A.D. The Bhir Mound is the earliest urban site in the Taxila area, probably founded as an outpost of the Persian Achaemenid empire. The walled city of Sirkap was built in the second century B.C. by Bactrian Greeks; the architecture and art is a fascinating mixture of Hellenistic and Indian influences. Start at the museum; it has a map of the area and most of the major sites are within easy reach.

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About the Author

Lori A. Selke has been a professional writer and editor for more than 15 years, touching on topics ranging from LGBT issues to sexuality and sexual health, parenting, alternative health, travel, and food and cooking. Her work has appeared in Curve Magazine, Girlfriends, Libido, The Children's Advocate, Decider.com, The SF Weekly, EthicalFoods.com and GoMag.com.

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